Events

Growing trees in grazing systems

9 January 2019

Join agroforestry expert Steve Gabriel at Helen Browning's Eastbrook Farm near Swindon for a morning lecture and afternoon farm walk looking at the Promise and Practice of Silvopasture.

The concept of silvopasture challenges our notions of both modern agriculture and land use, integrating trees, animals, and forages in a whole-system approach to farming. Such a system not only can help to regenerate farmland, but also provides an economical livelihood and even the ability to farm extensively while buffering the effects of a changing climate: increased rainfall, longer droughts, and more intense storm events.

During this lecture and farm walk, Steve Gabriel will demonstrate the benefits and approaches to integrating trees, livestock, and forages into one farm system, while building soil health and resiliency on the land.

Steve’s lecture will be followed by a pub lunch at Helen Browning’s Royal Oak Pub, followed by a pasture walk on Helen Browning's agroforestry plot, exploring the ways different site qualities inform tree selection, layout, and rotational grazing practices.